Waste management is recognized as a sector that contributes not only to local pollution but also to broader global environmental issues. Plastic pollution control is still under international negotiation, but many countries have started preparing national action plans. ASEAN member states have also set national targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with their nationally declared contributions (NDCs). However, a clear gap remains between these national commitments and their implementation at the municipal level, where limited capacity, fragmented governance, and insufficient technical guidance constrain progress.

This project addresses this persistent “policy–practice gap” by developing a collaborative framework to identify and overcome systemic barriers to climate-responsive and plastic-smart waste management. The results will be synthesized into a practical Policy-to-Action Toolkit to support local government units (LGUs) and project developers.

To strengthen regional capacity, the project will deliver hands-on training workshops and establish an online collaborative platform for continuous knowledge exchange. Through these integrated activities, the project aims to empower local stakeholders, accelerate the adoption of proven solutions, and contribute to ASEAN’s progress toward climate mitigation and a circular economy.